To mod or not to mod (that is the question)

Universal8

I’ve got a Squier Standard Strat that was a gift around 10-12 years ago. Wondering if I should upgrade pickups, tuners etc or just sell it . Do you think it’s worth spending money on ?

DeeTee

Is it worth spending money on to recoup later? No. You'll never get back what you spend on upgrades.

Is it worth messing about with, on the understanding that it won't be worth selling later? Yes. You can get it how you want, learn new stuff, and have a guitar very personal to you, just as long as you know it's not an investment. I have a Suier Standard Tele that's getting the same treatment.

OilCityPickups

I have Two Squire Standard Teles ... both modded to blazes ... love em

TheMarlin

Sell it.  Get a Fender Classic Player 50's.  Best strats under a grand.  Awesome guitars.

dazzajl

If it feels great but you feel a little let down by certain parts of it, it’s definitely worth it, if you’ll then keep and use it. 

If you don’t really care for it but think you might if
you spend money, chances are it’ll just be a more costly guitar you still don’t really like. 

Universal8

DeeTee said:

Is it worth spending money on to recoup later? No. You'll never get back what you spend on upgrades.

Is it worth messing about with, on the understanding that it won't be worth selling later? Yes. You can get it how you want, learn new stuff, and have a guitar very personal to you, just as long as you know it's not an investment. I have a Suier Standard Tele that's getting the same treatment.

Sorry, should have added that I wouldn’t be trying to recoup costs, it would be a keeper if I spend on it.

DeeTee

Universal8 said:

DeeTee said:

Is it worth spending money on to recoup later? No. You'll never get back what you spend on upgrades.

Is it worth messing about with, on the understanding that it won't be worth selling later? Yes. You can get it how you want, learn new stuff, and have a guitar very personal to you, just as long as you know it's not an investment. I have a Suier Standard Tele that's getting the same treatment.

Sorry, should have added that I wouldn’t be trying to recoup costs, it would be a keeper if I spend on it.

Oh, then totally. What dazzalj says is good. It's fun to mess about with!

stickyfiddle

My first guitar was a Standard Squier Strat. It’s been modded to hell and back over the last few years, but now it’s up there with the best strats I’ve ever played. 

Universal8

Thanks for all the reply’s. I think I’ll keep it and have a play !

OilCityPickups

My Squier Standard Strat update schedule ... do a you have the dosh ... 
First: Upgrade bridge to a Wilkinson with the nice steel block ... tone will be 100% better.
Next: bin the pots, wiring and output jack ... fit CTS pots, CRL switch, and switchcraft output jack ... sprague orange drop  cap. tone control for bridge pickup mod (really worth it).
Sort the nut ... professionally if you can afford it ... and fit split shaft vintage style tuners. 
Last ... look at pickups. No need to go mad ... an okay set of alnico 5 vintage wound needn't cost the earth ...  

Sporky

Universal8 said:

Sorry, should have added that I wouldn’t be trying to recoup costs, it would be a keeper if I spend on it.

Then the question is whether it's a good enough guitar to justify putting money into  or if you'll enjoy the free enough to justify the spend.

If either is a "yes" then go for it. 

Rocker

I agree with @sporky post.  if it's a good enough guitar to justify putting money into, do it.  

Roland

Look upon it as a learning exercise. These replacement parts all cost money, but fitting and using each one is an education. You learn how to maintain and modify an instrument, and you learn from experience what each component brings.